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Committee adopts lengthy construction-code overhaul and reports bill favorable
Summary
The committee adopted a large package of amendments to HB 11-86, which creates a Louisiana Uniform Construction Code Commission and moves code authorities into a single statutory framework, then reported the bill favorable. Several members flagged the late posting of the amendment packet and sought commitments to resolve outstanding issues before floor action.
Representative Jacob Landry presented House Bill 11-86, an extensive rewrite to establish the Louisiana Uniform Construction Code Commission, set licensing and registration standards for building inspectors, provide for the adoption of nationally recognized codes, and clarify enforcement and fee collection across municipalities and parishes. Landry said the bill was requested by the department to improve consistency, accountability and efficiency in building-code administration.
The committee considered amendment set 4,136, which contained 33 separate amendments covering inspector definitions, fee collection and remittance, enforcement criteria, applicability of codes (including FEMA flood standards), and changes to when the commission "shall" or "may" act. Several members said they received the amendment set only the morning of the hearing and requested additional review time; Landry and supporters pledged to work with colleagues and stakeholders to clean up remaining language before floor action.
Brad Hassard, representing the code council, explained that the council was recently transferred to standalone agency status without additional funding and that the amendments address governance, fee procedures and inspector oversight. After discussion, the committee adopted the amendment set and reported the bill favorable as amended. Landry asked members for comfort that outstanding issues would be resolved prior to floor consideration.
Next steps: HB 11-86 will move to the House floor with the amendment package; sponsors and the code council plan follow-up work to address lingering drafting issues and fiscal and implementation details.
